Consultation is open from 3 August 2026 9:00am to 25 September 2026 5:00pm
Policy S/C/BJH: Betjeman House, Hills Road (Botanic Place)
- Site area of 1.17 hectares.
- Capacity for approximately 37,000 square metres gross internal area of Commercial, Business and Service (Class E) floorspace, retention and restoration of the existing Flying Pig Public House, and residential uses.
1. Development proposals must demonstrate how they will meet the following requirements:
a. A positive, context-led approach should be taken in relation to height, massing, style, and materials to limit potential negative impacts on the designated and non-designated assets and their setting, including the Grade II* listed Botanic Gardens and its listed Cory Lodge, and the New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area;
b. Deliver high-quality public realm improvements that are sympathetic to the character of the Botanic Gardens, including street planting to enhance the historic character of the New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area and backdrop of the Brooklands Avenue Conservation Area;
c. Should implement landscape screening to sensitively separate the site from the Botanic Gardens; and
d. Refurbish the Flying Pig Public House and retain its use as a public house.
Figure 33: Site Plan of S/C/BJH: Betjeman House, Hills Road (Botanic Place).
Supporting information
3.1.58. This 1.17 hectare site has been allocated to provide a mix of uses, including residential, offices, retail and the retention of the Flying Pig Public House. This site was allocated in Cambridge’s 2018 Local Plan for a mixed-use site, however, the appeal departed from this aspiration and instead only permitted offices and retail uses, and at time of writing the site is under construction. If the permission outlined in the planning appeal is not implemented, then it is important for this site to deliver a mix of uses given the highly sustainable location of the site.
3.1.58. The site is located in a prominent position close to Cambridge Railway Station and on one of the main roads into the city centre. It is therefore critical that re-development of the site is delivered to the highest standards. Through the design, mix and nature of the development, there is an opportunity for the site to protect but also enhance the historic character of the New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area and backdrop of the Brooklands Avenue Conservation Area. Implementing landscape screening to separate the site from the Botanic Gardens will safeguard this vital historic green space for future visitors. By refurbishing and retaining the Flying Pig as a public house, an important community amenity will be given a new lease of life and act as an important hub for this area.
Tell us what you think
For further guidance on how to submit comments, please see the Representation Guidance Note.
All comments must be received by 25 September 2026 at 5pm.